Contraceptive Potential of Methanol Leaf Extract of Ananas comosus In Female Wistar Rats

Background: Traditionally, Ananas comosus leaf is used locally to prevent pregnancy among the indians. Objective: To investigate the effect of Ananas comosus methanol leaf extract on oestrus cycle and ovulation. Study Design: The study was conducted using 20 mature female rats with regular oestrus cycle. The three experimental groups of 5 animals each received a stat dose of 485.5mg/kg, 970 mg/kg and 1455.5 mg/kg body weight respectively while the control group received 1ml of normal saline. Doses were gotten from LD50. All administrations were done intraperitoneally at proestrus and vaginal smear were examined for 8 days to investigate the effects of the extract on oestrus cycle and ovulation. Result: Ovulation was prevented, oestrus cycle disrupted with prolongation of the dioestrus phases and number of mature follicles reduced on ovary histology. Conclusion: The study showed that Ananas comosus methanol leaf extract prevented ovulation from occurring and caused irregularity of the oestrus cycle with the disruption of fertility hormones.